One of those incredible moments in life.

Something amazing happened today. Yes, it was the very last day of school, which is reward in itself after all the sweat, toil, pain and suffering we have been through. More than that was the reward of satisfaction in a job well done. Even more than that was something unexpected, something that made all the hell worthwhile and the main reason why Michael and I chose to teach….

….after a morning of getting all our paperwork together, sharing how much we appreciate each other and having our last coffee in the corner shop, we joined with all our students to go out and have a traditional Vietnamese lunch. We all shared rides on the student’s scooters to get to the restaurant and all sat at a very long table as if one big happy family. It was wonderful to all be together in a casual, relaxed setting and enjoy food and conversation without pressure and formality. We had the students order the food for us, which made for an amazing feast. All of it was good and the highlight had to be when we got a plate of fried chicken parts and Michael bravely ate a chicken foot (no meat really) and I chewed on a chicken head (also very little meat). I may have eaten an eye too…not sure.

As we were all leaving the restaurant a few of the students privately gave us some gifts they made and one with a special message that almost brought us to tears. So thoughtful, so touching and that moment alone made all the hard work worthwhile and to think that we really only taught these students for four weeks!!! After the restaurant we went to a famous coffee shop to all join in to have more conversation, be more casual and bond with these incredible young people that want a good future so very badly and respect us so highly. As we parted it is likely the last time we will ever see them again.

The point of it all is that both Michael and I are filled with incredible joy today after so much exhaustion. The afternoon spent with our students has warmed our hearts, given us incentive and desire to become teachers. I cannot tell you how great it feels to make a difference in someone’s life and to be able to have them tell you that personally. So many times I have felt as if I have given a disastrous lesson and from an academic ability…not so good either. When a student approaches you to say they actually did learn something, found the subject interesting and remember the experience…that my friend is far more important than anything academic. If you are able to get the attention and establish mutual respect, you can teach anything.

Michael and I need to sleep a lot, rest a lot and go on a great holiday so we can love this country called Vietnam. Important decisions need to be made soon and must have a clear mind and body. Good things are ahead and personally speaking today was not only the best day yet in Vietnam, but likely the first of many.